A 3-year-old colt named after New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will not run the Kentucky Derby next month as originally planned.
Gronkowski, who trains in England, will not be able to make the overseas trip to the Derby due to a fever it developed over the weekend.
The tight end announced last week he bought a minority ownership stake in the horse.
Gronkowski, the man, provided a statement on Twitter:
It’s unfortunate Gronkowski the horse will not be able to race in the upcoming Kentucky Derby due to an illness. I fully support what is best for the horse. I know he will come back strong and healthy and I am excited to see him race again very soon.
— Rob Gronkowski (@RobGronkowski) April 23, 2018
Gronkowski was an 80-to-1 longshot to win as recently as last week.
The 144th Kentucky Derby will be held Saturday, May 5.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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